A randomised controlled trial of intrathecal blockade versus peripheral nerve blockade for day-case knee arthroscopy

Abstract

SummaryWe allocated 100 patients scheduled for day-case knee arthroscopy to unilateral spinal anaesthesia with 40 mg intrathecal hyperbaric prilocaine or to ultrasound-guided femoral-sciatic nerve blockade with 25 ml mepivacaine 2%, 50 participants each. 290-395 [190-440]) min after peripheral nerve blockade, p = 0.016. There was no difference in time from anaesthetic preparation to readiness for surgery.

Spinal or nerve block for knee arthroscopy?

“…We read with interest the study by Ambrosoli et al and commend the authors on their work [1]. The study addresses an important aspect of day surgery anaesthesia and contributes to the evidence available on day-case knee arthroscopy, especially lowdose spinal anaesthesia.…”

“…We thank Dr. Wong for his interest in our work [1]. To clarify, we have not presented a prognostic model to predict survival at the level of the individual patient.…”

Cox regression models for frailty in vascular surgery patients

“…Thrombin generation tests, which investigate the overall haemostatic process and take into account pro-and anti-coagulant factors including those released by the endothelium, were a pivotal tool for this assessment [2,3]. However,…”

“…One such tool is the Edmonton Frail Scale, a 17-point scale validated for use by non-geriatricians to assess frailty, which takes approximately 5 min to complete per patient [2]. The scale is available as an App on both Android and iOS platforms (Create Multimedia, Evergem, Belgium) and is free to download.…”

“…Simple tools such as the Edmonton Frail Scale may be useful when used alongside clinical impression and we would encourage readers to get out there and try this for themselves. [2]. As a past President of Regional Anaesthesia UK, I am very keen to promote the use of regional anaesthesia.…”